NHRC concerned at Meta’s funding to UNICEF

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday (November 12, 2026) wrote a letter to the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD), raising concerns over reported financial associations between Meta and UNICEF. The commission also cited allegations of monetised child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on Meta-owned platforms.

NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo forwarded to the WCD Ministry, a representation received from the Legal Rights Observatory, a legal advocacy and public interest organisation, which has flagged Meta’s reported financial contributions to UNICEF and other similar organisations, as well as its collaborative engagements with child rights stakeholders.

“The matter is of serious concern, particularly in view of recent reports bringing to light instances of paid CSAM-related activities and the circulation of objectionable content through Meta-owned platforms, which are also subject to examination and investigation by various law enforcement agencies,” the NHRC said.

Expressing particular concern over the alleged monetisation of content involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of children, Mr. Kanoongo said such activities could generate revenue from material depicting child abuse.

The commission also questioned the purpose and utilisation of substantial financial contributions reportedly made by Meta to UNICEF and other organisations, particularly towards advocacy and institutional engagements.

He cautioned that such financial associations required careful examination, as they could potentially lend institutional legitimacy to a platform facing allegations of serious child safety violations and undermine the broader child protection agenda.

“The matter may kindly be examined and appropriate action, as deemed necessary, may be taken in the interest of child protection,” the letter stated.